The next day, she was again sitting next to Regulus. It was Arithmancy class. He had been so quiet for the whole class. He was of course a serious student, but he would always exchange some words with his Ravenclaw companion. When it was almost the end, he whispered something quietly, looking disinterested even though his question was unexpected and sounded serious.

"Do you like Sirius?"

Adena widened her hazel eyes before a frown appeared on her forehead as she turned her face towards Regulus who wouldn't return the gaze.

"Why would you say that?"

"Asking out of curiosity that's all."

"I do not like him."

"You spend a lot of time with him these days..."

"So what ? I think I already told you, I spend time with my sister, and he happens to be there. I don't care about him." She was starting to feel irritated, she didn't even know why his remarks were annoying her.

"You laugh and smile with him..." he sounded gloomy as his cold voice continued. He had a hard time keeping a straight façade.

"What's the problem? Does it bother you if I hang out with your brother?" she hadn't realized she had slightly raised her voice, and a girl in front of them turned around, only to be met with Regulus' glare.

"Yes..." It was almost inaudible, but he admitted it. He didn't know why he was jealous. He could have been jealous of his brother spending so much time with the brunette, or her spending so much time with his brother, unlike him.

"And why?" She sounded a bit calmer now. Her gaze wouldn't look somewhere else than his face, but he kept fixing his textbook.

"I don't like the idea of you being with him, with all the shit that happened you know..." The Slytherin also felt a bit insecure. What if Sirius ended up being her favorite of the Black brothers. She would probably end up leaving him, just like Sirius did. That thought was scaring him so much, but he couldn't get it out of his head.

"I see. But you shouldn't be mad at me for that. His company isn't bad even though I don't go out for him..." murmured Adena, writing again, but Regulus finally decided to look at her.

"Do you prefer his company over mine?" he quickly asked, his grey eyes boring into her surprised ones. His orbs looked almost afraid, that emotion in him was frightening her as well.

"No... I don't know what you're thinking about, but no. No, I don't prefer hanging out with him. Your company is much more enjoyable- "

"But what if it changes," cut off the raven-haired boy's serious tone.

"Change? Do you think the relationship I have with him can become the one I have with you?" She sounded serious as well. "There's nothing similar in these two relationships. If even I can call that relationship. I may act friendly with your brother but I'm not close to him. Not as close to you."

When she talked, her warm hazel eyes bored into Regulus' apprehensive ones. Maybe she couldn't let out feelings through words, but she hoped he would understand. Adena's eyes were giving off seriousness but it became a source of comfort for the Slytherin male. She wouldn't lie. Anyone but her. He knew he could trust her.

He let go of his quill and Adena didn't hesitate to take a hold of her hands, giving them a soft squeeze. She couldn't look away from his stormy eyes, wanting to reassure him. It was the first time she had ever witnessed a vulnerable facet of Regulus. She automatically got the urge to comfort him and protect him.

"Can you attend my upcoming Quidditch match, please?"

He broke the silence after a few long seconds that felt like eternity, but that could have lasted twice as this time, she would not mind looking into his eyes for so long.

"Yes. I will," she said, giving him a smile.

"It's next week. Against Hufflepuff. But support Slytherin of course." She laughed a little which brought a smile on his lips.

"Okay I'll try my best. I can't be sure I'll be able to cheer for Slytherin, but I'll cheer for you. So, do well."

"I will if you watch me." He squeezed her hand as a thanks, and they both returned to their work, feeling full of delight.

October arrived quicker than anyone would have thought. Already one month of classes had passed. The weather had changed as well. Wind was blowing lightly onto Hogwarts, but it was enough to prevent the students from going out. The temperature had dropped a little, autumn was definitely there. Adena appreciated that time of the year. She just liked going out into the fresh air, enjoying the much bearable atmosphere since summer had ended. The light caresses of wind onto her cheeks were wakening, and she felt refreshed after going out for a stroll.

The next day was Quidditch. First match of the season for the first week of October. She felt somehow excited. She had even initiated the conversation with the others.

"Who's coming to Quidditch tomorrow?" had asked the girl nonchalantly at breakfast while reading Friday's Daily Prophet.

"Adena, are you sick? You're asking something about a Quidditch match you plan to attend." had answered Jacob.

"Shut up and answer."

"Okay, so I'll come, and I guess everyone else does." And they all agreed. "Merlin's beard! I have to write this down somewhere, it'll be a special day for you. Adena will come to a Quidditch game on her own on Saturday, 6th October. All of you note that."

"You make me want to stay in my dorm now."

"Okay, okay. I stop and you come."

"I prefer that you jerk."

Adena was definitely much more excited in the morning, although she tried to hide it. The Great Hall was full of noises, proving she wasn't the only one excited for the match. When the two teams left the room to head to the pitch, the brunette made sure to give Regulus a small encouraging smile, which reassured him a lot even though she couldn't know it. She would be there, watching him, and it was enough for the boy to be confident. He wanted to do well and show her.

After finishing their breakfast, all the students made their way to the Quidditch pitch. The small group of Ravenclaw was situated at a good place. The wind was blowing softly, but not enough to bother the players.

"Adena, you won't be cold?" asked Jade, referring to the fact that the girl hadn't brought her scarf nor her beanie.

"No. No worries," she answered, grinning just a little, for no apparent reason.

The players arrived on the pitch. Adena's eyes instantly founding Regulus' position. Having watched many matches these past months, she knew where the seeker was. He looked back at her as he walked, broomstick in hand.

The whistle blew and the players started flying in every direction under the screams of the whole school. Adena, as always, stayed calm, enjoying quietly the match - mostly enjoying Regulus' flying style. And she got envious again. The girl wanted to fly like this more and more. She wanted to feel that same sensation so desperately.

The points started going up for both teams but soon Slytherin was dominating the game. Thirty, fifty, and soon one hundred to sixty. But the enthusiasm wouldn't go down in the crowd. Adena felt secretly happy. She didn't really wish to see Slytherin win, but since it was Regulus' team it had much more importance. She watched at how freely the players were flying in the air, each team scoring one after the other, but Slytherins were still dominating with one hundred and forty to ninety. The two Seekers came in sight again after having disappeared in the clouds. It was obvious they were chasing the golden snitch. Some big guy that was one of the Hufflepuff beater sent a bludger in Regulus' direction, but thanks to his agility and ability to fly, he managed to avoid it. He then focused back on the golden snitch in front of him, ignoring the Hufflepuff seeker a few inches behind him. He was full of determination, he couldn't lose, not that day, not when her pair of hazel eyes was fixing him with so much hope. The boy's left arm, reached out, and he bent down a little on his broomstick so it would go faster, fast enough so his fingers could grab the snitch.

The crowd then erupted in loud screams, especially coming from Slytherin. The whistle blew again, and the amplified voice of the commentator said: "Regulus Black caught the golden snitch! Slytherin wins with two hundred and ninety to seventy!"

Some cheers were heard coming from other houses, and Jacob muttered by Adena's side, "Damn that Black. He may be a Slytherin git but he's good."

Adena didn't know why but she smiled. She felt proud. Regulus' talent as a player was recognized, and she felt proud of him.

And as per usual, she escaped the crowd of people to climb down the stairs, quickly heading to the changing room. The match ended five minutes ago, maybe ten minutes ago, but Regulus was there, waiting outside for Adena. His cheeks were even a little red from both the cold and the efforts he gave out. And he was smiling.

author's note: oh god, the two next chapters are some of my favorites! you better prepare your heart because mine's about to explode every time i read this part!!!